“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Flowers On The Wall” is one of those songs that sticks with you long after you’ve heard it, mainly because it captures a certain feeling of loneliness in such an oddly lighthearted way. I remember hearing it for the first time in the background of a scene in Pulp Fiction, and it immediately struck me. It’s playful yet melancholic, a perfect blend of humor and sadness. The Statler Brothers, a group known for their rich harmonies and narrative-driven songs, created something special with this one—a song that still resonates with many today.
About The Composition
- Title: Flowers On The Wall
- Composer: Lew DeWitt
- Premiere Date: 1965
- Album/Opus/Collection: Flowers on the Wall
- Genre: Country
Background
Written by Lew DeWitt, one of the founding members of The Statler Brothers, Flowers On The Wall was released in 1965 and became an instant hit. The song appeared on their debut album, also titled Flowers on the Wall, and quickly climbed the charts, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and even crossing over to the pop charts. At its core, the song is about a man trying to convince himself—and perhaps the listener—that he’s perfectly fine living in isolation, even as he engages in trivial and bizarre activities like counting flowers on the wall or playing solitaire with a deck of 51 cards. It’s a perfect example of how humor can be used to mask deeper feelings of loneliness or melancholy. When the song was first released, its catchy tune and unique storytelling drew listeners in, and it became a staple of The Statler Brothers’ repertoire.
Musical Style
Musically, Flowers On The Wall is a simple yet effective composition. It features The Statler Brothers’ signature harmonies, which give the song an old-timey charm. The song is driven by a steady rhythm guitar, a touch of twang from the bass, and a hint of piano that punctuates the verses. What makes the song so unique is its blend of upbeat, almost whimsical music paired with lyrics that suggest a man who is unraveling. It’s this juxtaposition that makes the song both fun and a little sad at the same time. The Statler Brothers excel at delivering songs with narratives, and in this one, the slow drawl of the lead vocal carries a sense of detachment, mirroring the protagonist’s attempt to appear unfazed by his solitude.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of Flowers On The Wall are both quirky and poignant. The song’s narrator lists off various mundane activities to pass the time, from counting flowers on the wallpaper to watching Captain Kangaroo. These seemingly trivial actions reveal a deeper sense of isolation and disconnection from the world. The song’s refrain, “Don’t tell me, I’ve nothing to do,” is both a declaration and a defense mechanism, as if the character is trying to convince himself as much as others that his life is full, even when it’s clearly empty. The imagery of “playing solitaire with a deck of 51” and “smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo” adds to the eccentric, slightly offbeat tone of the song, while also hinting at a life stuck in repetition and insignificance.
Performance History
Since its release, Flowers On The Wall has been performed countless times by The Statler Brothers, becoming one of their most iconic songs. It even earned them a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary (R&R) Performance – Group (Vocal or Instrumental) in 1966. Over the years, the song has been covered by various artists, including Eric Heatherly, whose 2000 version became a hit on the country charts. One of the song’s more memorable pop culture moments came when it was featured in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, which introduced the song to a whole new generation of listeners.
Cultural Impact
The cultural impact of Flowers On The Wall extends far beyond the realm of country music. Its inclusion in Pulp Fiction helped cement its place in the pop culture canon, and the song’s mix of humor and melancholy has resonated with listeners across generations. It’s a perfect example of how a simple, quirky country song can find a life far beyond its original context. The song’s ability to capture the absurdity of isolation, while still being fun and catchy, has made it a timeless piece.
Legacy
The enduring appeal of Flowers On The Wall lies in its relatability. Everyone has experienced moments of isolation or boredom, and the song’s ability to turn these feelings into something humorous yet touching is a testament to its genius. The Statler Brothers, with their harmonies and storytelling prowess, created a song that still feels fresh, decades later. It continues to be a fan favorite at live performances and has been featured in various media over the years. The song’s message, wrapped in humor and wit, is still relevant today, as people continue to find solace and meaning in its quirky lyrics.
Conclusion
Flowers On The Wall is a song that strikes a perfect balance between humor and melancholy, with a melody that’s both catchy and comforting. It’s one of those rare songs that manages to feel both lighthearted and deeply introspective, all at the same time. Whether you’re a fan of classic country or just enjoy great storytelling through music, this is a song worth revisiting. If you haven’t heard it in a while, I recommend checking out The Statler Brothers’ original version, or even Eric Heatherly’s more modern take on it. Either way, Flowers On The Wall is a song that will always be worth listening to.
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Lyrics
I keep hearin’ you’re concerned about my happiness
But all that thought you’re givin’ me is conscience I guess
If I were walkin’ in your shoes, I wouldn’t worry none
While you and your friends are worried about me, I’m havin’ lots of fun
Countin’ flowers on the wall
That don’t bother me at all
Playin’ solitaire ’til dawn with a deck of 51
Smokin’ cigarettes and watchin’ Captain Kangaroo
Now don’t tell me, I’ve nothin’ to do
Last night I dressed in tails, pretended I was on the town
As long as I can dream it’s hard to slow this swinger down
So please don’t give a thought to me, I’m really doin’ fine
You can always find me here, I’m havin’ quite a time
Countin’ flowers on the wall
That don’t bother me at all
Playin’ solitaire ’til dawn with a deck of 51
Smokin’ cigarettes and watchin’ Captain Kangaroo
Now don’t tell me, I’ve nothin’ to do
It’s good to see you, I must go, I know I look a fright
Anyway my eyes are not accustomed to this light
And my shoes are not accustomed to this hard concrete
So I must go back to my room and make my day complete
Countin’ flowers on the wall
That don’t bother me at all
Playin’ solitaire ’til dawn with a deck of 51
Smokin’ cigarettes and watchin’ Captain Kangaroo
Now don’t tell me, I’ve nothin’ to do
Don’t tell me, I’ve nothin’ to do